On our way to Ohio, we got off I-65 by West Lafayette in Indiana, also known as the home of Purdue University. Located between Chicago and Indianapolis, the Lafayette area boasts two iconic places in the area to get some grub – Triple XXX Family Restaurant and Igloo Frozen Custard, both restaurants on the Indiana Foodways Alliance’s culinary trails. It was the perfect stop on our road trip!

Disclosure: Our family was a provided complimentary meal in exchange for a review. I was not required to express a particular point of view, and all opinions are my own.

Triple XXX Family Restaurant: 

• Nostalgic. The classic drive-in has been around since1929 (making it Indiana’s oldest one around as well as the first) and is celebrating 90 years of business. Just imagine everyone that has walked through the doors!

• Burgers. Imagine a quarter pound of meat with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and…..peanut butter. Yes, that’s right – peanut butter!  The Duane Purvis Burger may not sound so appetizing, but one bite and you’ll keep wanting more. I ordered mine with a side of their sweet potato fries (my fav) but the special “crack” sauce, a marshmallow and cinnamon mixture, sealed the deal for me. And you will want to dip just about anything in there!

My husband tried the Ryan Kerrigan, a behemoth of a burger with two 1/4lb. patties, cheddar cheese, covered with their Famous Triple XXX Chili. He thought it was excellent and just about inhaled it in less than 5 minutes.

• Root beer. Made with pure cane sugar, the recipe has stayed true to its roots since 1829. It’s also caffeine free and gluten free. It comes out in a frosted mug. If you’re up for a treat, get a root beer float.

• Claim to fame. Guy Fieri from Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives stopped by Triple XXX Family Restaurant.

Tips to enjoy Triple XXX Family Restaurant:

• Cash only. They have an ATM on-site.
• Park at the designated spots for the drive-in. There’s also a small parking lot as well as street parking.
• Triple XXX is one of the stops on the Indiana Foodways Alliance’s Soda-licious Trail as well as the Just Cruisin’, Tenderloin Lovers, and Burgers and Dogs trail.
• Looking for more burgers to satisfy your appetite? Triple XXX Family Restaurant is located on West-Lafayette’s Burger Trail.

Igloo Frozen Custard: 

• A family business. I had a chance to chat with current owner Bill Lodde and learned that the original location was founded by his grandfather in 1932. Back then refrigeration was nonexistent, so salt was used to “freeze” the custard. Fast forward to today, the original location is still standing (it can be found just off I-65) along with a second location (Troxel St.) open year round with a drive-in. 
• The atmosphere. We visited the Troxel location (South) and thought the inside was so adorable reminiscent of an old school diner with black and white tiles, countertop seating, and retro-looking chairs. Plus, everything was super clean!

• The custard was delicious. We loved that there were so many different flavors — the boys chose Blue Moon and Oreo (with real Oreos, of course). My girl, a huge fan of strawberry chose none other than – you guessed it – strawberry.

Bottom Line:

If you’re in the area or passing by definitely stop by these two classic Lafayette area institutions. In fact, it looks like the area offers lots of family fun including a zoo, museum, and one of Indiana’s newest state parks. We’ll definitely be back in the area! In the meantime, check out Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette’s website for ideas.